Parking fine for parents who visited sick baby

07/01/14 Dad with ill son fined 70 pounds at hospital car park
Dad with ill son fined 70 pounds at hospital car park. Nigel Elson and 14-month-old son. Son was really ill and they lost track of time. was over by 17 mins and have been in dispute with parki

THE parents of a 14-month-old baby with a rare condition have blasted the parking system at Burton’s Queen’s Hospital after they were fined £70.

Nigel Elson of Stapenhill contacted the Mail after he unsuccessfully appealed the fine, issued by Parking Eye.

His son Charlie suffers from Dravet Syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy.

In November they had to call an ambulance for Charlie when he suffered a seizure. He spent a number of days in hospital in Stoke and Burton.

On the date in question Nigel and Caroline lost track of time during a visit to Queen’s.

After spending the day by Charlie’s bedside they paid for five hours in the car park. They later received the fine in the post which stated they had parked for five hours and 13 minutes.

They have appealed the fine and explained their situation but to no avail.

Mr Elson said: “We had more on our minds than to worry about car parking charges.

“We received two more letters before they even had chance to reply to the first.”

The parking system relies on people remembering how long they have been parked. They have to pay when they have left the hospital, entering their car registration number.

Mr Elson also received a fine for parking in a 20 minute bay for 46 minutes on the day Charlie was admitted but this has been cancelled.

Helen Ashley, Chief Executive of Burton Hospital NHS Trust said:“We are sorry to hear that Mr Elson has received a penalty notice which has caused him and his family much distress. We would encourage Mr Elson and anyone else who feels they have received a penalty notice unfairly to appeal.

“Penalty notices are sent out automatically and until full details are provided, cases cannot be investigated further.

“If following this process you are still unsatisfied please contact 01283 511511 extension 5359 and we will try and resolve the issue.”

A review is due to take place by bosses at the hospital, during which time the trust will not issue any charges where attempts to pay have been made.